Desi Award

As a kid, I don't remember I won any trophy or award in any event and ended up collecting mere 'Participation Certificates'. My first big award was in 12th standard, when I topped the school. But I could not collect my first medal as I had moved to new city. During my engineering college, 1992, I won my first trophy, and I still have it with me. Trophies withstand the test of time, unlike many other possessions that may be discarded or forgotten. Even if they gather dust in old trunks or attics, trophies hold sentimental value and memories that we cherish, making them difficult to part with despite their aging appearance.

Trophies have a fascinating history dating back centuries. Originally, trophies were often taken from defeated enemies—a piece of armor or even body parts—as proof of victory. The concept evolved over time, and by the mid-18th century, we start seeing cups specifically designed as trophies for sporting events. The word "trophy" originates from the Latin "trophaeum," meaning a monument to victory. In ancient Greece, Olympic champions were initially rewarded with laurel wreaths, later receiving an amphora filled with sacred olive oil.

Winning 1983 world cup, not only ignited a sense of belief and passion in the sport across the nation, it also re-defined the shape of success, the trophy. The size of Davis cup, the Human figure on Ranji trophy, Wimbledon (Thali) Shield, Film Fair Lady, Oscar man and Grammy Gramophone ; all these forms became so iconic over the decades.

With my fascination for trophies, I got my first trophy design assignment in 1999, for Wipro's internal sporting event. At Titan, we used to get few opportunities to design trophies, most often internal or for TATA group. Till today I continue to design trophies pushing boundaries of minimal form, story telling and craftsmanship. There are three important stakeholders in the story, event, awardee and presenter; a good trophy celebrates not only the event and the awardee but also the presenter.

Sharing few of my favourite trophy designs, let me know your pick and do share your childhood trophy memory.

I See Desi,

I See Design.